This is a special year in the history of 4-H, because it marks the organization’s 100th anniversary. The occasion will be celebrated in a number of ways locally and at the state and national levels.

“We’re actually incorporating the anniversary in with things that we do regularly, like the Douglas County (Free) Fair. We’ll use a theme that talks about 100 years of 4-H,” says Cathy Musick, K-State Research and Extension agent in charge of 4-H youth development in the county.

“4-H will also celebrate its 100-year heritage in September at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson,” she says. “And at our achievement celebration in October, (Douglas County) 4-H clubs will have displays that show the history of their organizations.”

The program has changed a lot over the years, according to Musick.

“In the beginning, it was basically not even called 4-H,” she says. “It was called the Boys Corn Club, and the girls had the Canning Club. The kids would teach their parents new agricultural practices.

“It has evolved tremendously since then. We aren’t just rural, and we don’t just have projects dealing with animals or plants. Some of our fastest-growing project areas are arts and crafts, and rocketry.”

4-H  which stands for head, heart, hands and health  is beneficial for young people and their families, she says.

“Kids are learning decision-making and life skills in a safe environment, and they can practice that over and over,” Musick says. “That’s what we try to do: Give them skills and opportunities to feel valued by the community.”

Larry and LaDonna Wilson  the parents of 4-H members Tom, Cody and Sam Wilson  are community leaders for the Pioneers 4-H Club in rural Douglas County.

They’re big boosters of 4-H.

“The biggest thing kids learn is to get up and learn to give a talk in front of people  public speaking skills,” LaDonna says.

“Whatever you’re into, you can learn it in 4-H,” Larry adds. “It’s universal. You can live in the middle of a big city and be in 4-H.”